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Is adenomyosis an immune disease?
H Ota1, S Igarashi, J Hatazawa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita-city, Japan.
Human Reproduction Update
|November 24, 1998
Summary
Adenomyosis involves endometrial tissue in the uterine muscle, triggering immune responses. These immune changes in the endometrium may contribute to fertility issues in affected women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Gynecological pathology
Background:
- Adenomyosis is defined by ectopic endometrial tissue within the myometrium.
- Endometriosis, differing only by tissue location (outside the uterus), is linked to autoimmune conditions.
- This review explores the immune system's role in adenomyosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunological cascade in adenomyosis.
- To understand the immune environment within the endometrium of women with adenomyosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on adenomyosis and immunology.
- Analysis of cellular and humoral immune responses in adenomyosis.
Main Results:
- Adenomyosis activates significant cellular and humoral immune responses.
- Increased immune cells, adhesion molecules, and immune component deposition observed.
- High prevalence of autoantibodies and heat shock protein expression in endometrial cells noted.
- Distinct immunological environment compared to normal uterine tissue.
Conclusions:
- Adenomyosis is associated with a unique and activated immune state within the endometrium.
- These immune dysregulations may negatively impact reproductive outcomes.
- The endometrial environment in adenomyosis is immunologically stressed.